Spring Grove's Eli Brooks set for Final Four appearance with Michigan

Spring Grove's Eli Brooks is having another standout season in his senior year. Hear what his teammates and an opponent have to say about playing alongside and against the University of Michigan recruit.
Jim Seip, GameTimePA.com

Spring Grove native and current University of Michigan freshman Eli Brooks has taken a backseat during the Wolverine's run to the NCAA Final Four.

After starting at point guard during the first half of the season, Brooks saw his playing time reduce significantly as the season progressed. He's played just seven minutes in the NCAA Tournament, with short stints in comfortable wins over Montana (first round) and Texas A&M (Sweet 16).

But could more playing time be coming in the national semifinal against Loyola-Chicago?

According to a tweet from City of Basketball Love editor-in-chief Josh Verlin, Michigan head coach John Beilein told media members on Thursday that Brooks could see the court after a strong showing in practice.

Michigan coach John Beilein just said Eli Brooks was the best player in practice and could see some playing time Saturday. Didn’t see minutes in Sweet 16/Elite 8.

The Wolverines, who entered the tournament as a No. 3 seed and have a 32-7 record, are 5.5-point favorites over the 11th-seeded Ramblers. Still, Loyola-Chicago is 32-5 and has won 14 straight games.

Brooks chose to attend Michigan after a standout high school career in which he finished as Spring Grove's all-time leading scorer with 2,426 career points. He ranks second in points in YAIAA history behind 2011 Eastern York grad Andrew Nicholas (2,504).